Choosing the right size system when shopping for an air conditioner is extremely important. Units that are bigger than necessary may not be able to remove the humidity effectively, resulting in an uncomfortable room. A quick and easy way to determine the right size is to refer to the chart below. (Please note: This chart is an estimate only - a load calculation is needed to properly determine the size unit needed for your home. If you are considering replacing your air conditioning unit we can provide this information to you with a free estimate.)

Area To Be Cooled (sq. ft.)

Capacity Needed (Btu/Hour)

100 to 150

5,000

150 to 250

6,000

250 to 300

7,000

300 to 350

8,000

350 to 400

9,000

400 to 450

10,000

450 to 550

12,000

550 to 700

14,000

700 to 1000

18,000

1,000 to 1,200

21,000

1,200 to 1,400

23,000

1,400 to 1,500

24,000

1,500 to 2,000

30,000

Make adjustments for the following circumstances:

- If the room is heavily shaded, reduce capacity by 10%.

- If the room is very sunny, increase capacity by 10%.

- If more than two people regularly occupy the room, add 600 BTUs for each additional person.

- If the unit is used in a kitchen, increase capacity by 4,000 BTUs.

- Consider where you install the unit. If you are mounting an air conditioner near the corner of a room, look for a unit that can send the airflow in the right direction.